Brutal Beauty

Brutal Beauty #0.5

by Misti Wilds

Three masked men claim my body. I never meant to give them my soul.

I've created the perfect life. Perfect image. Perfect career. Perfect home.

But when a masked man delivers an exclusive invitation to the most sought-after event in the city, I step out of my perfect world and enter theirs.

Rage. Rebel. Ruin. Three brothers who claim my body in front of a room of masked strangers.

My perfection cracks in their hands. They want more than the image I've created for myself - they want all of me.

The imperfections. The pain. The sorrow.

What I thought was one night of fun turns out to be a lifetime deal with three dangerous devils.

My soul is on offer, and they mean to collect no matter the price.


Brutal Beauty is a prequel novella that takes place prior to Celia's full length romance, featured in the Brutal Beauty trilogy starting with book 1, Claimed by Rage. This novella features dubcon, explicit sex, cursing, multiple POVs, exhibitionism, and a whole lotta smut for such a short novella. (For full TWs, please see the content warning page on the author's website.)

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Novella, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Dark

94 pages, ebook

Published March 8, 2024

About the author

Misti Wilds is a lover of all things romance, especially when the spice is habanero hot and the men are morally gray and dangerous. She devours angst like her favorite M&M cookies--all at once with no regrets. When she isn't writing why choose romance, she can be found floating in the lake with her favorite sun hat or playing video games while surrounded by Squishmallows. She lives in Southern USA with her number one fans (an adoring husband and two precious pups).

Reviews

[destiny · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick dirty little prequel novella that had me soaked 🦵🏼💦🦵🏼

rage, rebel, and ruin 🧎🏻‍♀️ on my fucking knees for these masked men. they can string me up, make ME the main event at an orgy party ANY FUCKING DAY !!! YES SIRRRR

these three brothers got me all fucked up and i can’t wait to jump into the full story 🥵

[Peppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

„I shouldn’t be this happy about having a stalker. But it feels good to be wanted.“

From the first chapter, three masked men (Rage, Rebel, and Ruin) storm into the heroine’s picture, perfect life and dismantle it piece by piece. And honestly? It’s impossible to look away!!

The dynamic between the heroine and these men is electric, equal parts dangerous and intoxicating. Rage, Rebel, and Ruin are exactly what their names promise: volatile, commanding, and utterly unpredictable. The novella gives just enough backstory to make their obsession compelling, but holds back plenty to keep you desperate for the next book.

„I want to be a mother. A wife. A career woman.
Three brutal men don’t fit into that equation.
No matter how much I want them to.“

The stalker trope is executed flawlessly here. There’s no half-hearted pursuit, this is full-on, relentless obsession, the kind that toes the line between terrifying and thrilling. The tension is palpable, and the chemistry was intense. Every interaction crackles with intensity, making it clear that these men don’t just want her, they own her.

If you love reverse harems with edge, possessive antiheroes, and stories that leave you breathless, this is a must-read. Consider yourself warned, you’ll finish it and immediately need the next installment.

trops/kinks/safety
🖤mafia romance
🖤brother harem
🖤masked men
🖤stalker
🖤obsessive/possessive
🖤rough sex
🖤no condoms
🖤face fucking
🖤dirty talk
🖤dubcon
🖤exhibitionism
🖤threats

[Cécile Smits · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brutal Beauty was exactly what it promised,a first glimpse into Celia,Rage,Rebel and Ruin’s story.
A freebie that i’m glad i downloaded,and i know i’m going to ask for the ARC of Claimed by Rage.
Because that glimpse was deliciously depraved and made me hungry for more.
The things those men already did to,and promise they plan to do to their Beauty?
Sign me up,please!!

[goodgirl_meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced down and dirty novella which has me EXCITED for Celia’s full story! Absolutely loved Rage, Ruin, and Rebel- obsessed from page one. Masked men? Yes. 💦 party? Double yes. Stalker but she loves it? Gimme all these vibes please!

[theswooncollector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do we like our men to be a little (or a lot) unhinged? Dark and dangerous? Masked?

This novella was short but super hot 🥵. If this doesn't leave you wet and panting, I don't know what will.

💞 MEET THE MAINS

Celia Monrovia — Businesswoman. Has ties to the Russian mafia. Emotionally scarred by an ex-husband who divorced her for a younger woman.

Rage. Rebel. Ruin — Russian mafia. Owners of Midnight. Obsessed with Celia.

💭 MY THOUGHTS

This is my first book/short story from this author and it grabbed my attention from the first page. I loved how the author’s writing absolutely sucked me in and made it easy to immerse myself in Celia’s shoes. The mystery surrounding the club, Celia’s excitement over something illicit, and her slow acceptance and confidence about acting on her sexual desires… I loved them all. I was rooting for her to get what she wanted the whole time. For her to recover her confidence after her ex trampled on it.

The men, on the other hand, were so intense and single-minded. To them, Celia was already theirs. I’m a sucker for possessive men, okay? So I was easily hooked. What Rage said in his internal monologue about Celia’s role? Shocked me. I did not expect it to be THAT serious, but I guess I should have.

We really shouldn’t have a favorite, but right now my favorite is Ruin. Yes, yes. He’s a little (a lot) damaged, but uh, didn’t we already say we liked them that way? LOL

This was just a small taste of the Brutal Beauty series and it does leave a woman asking for more.

🌟 FAVORITE QUOTE

It shouldn’t feel romantic to be claimed, but a primal part of me loves the idea of it. Being claimed by a man. Being pleasured by him. Adored.

--- Same, Celia. Same.


DID I SHIP THEM? 🤭 Obsessed From Page One

SPICE LEVEL: 🔥 Hot and Explicit

EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN
— Laughed? 😊 Giggled a little
— Cried? 😌 Not at all

Would I Recommend to Fellow Swoon Collectors?
✅ Yes, but only if you’re into the type of men I mentioned above

***Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this advance review copy! I received this for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.***

[Michelle Muller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first installment of a series. We meet our FMC as she's preparing for a mystery ball. Pre story, she'd come to the attention of three brothers, who have decided she's destined to be theirs. Overall, it's a quick, spicy read that leads into the next book - Clamied by Rage - which I really enjoyed. Download them both and jump in!

[Laurence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect appetizer for the next books 😍 It was hot and gives you some information about the characters while also keeping them mysterious enough you want to keep on reading!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It was a quick, short read that made want to jump in the next book right away. I also love the returning of the characters from the other series rule of three 🥰

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book was longer. Would have been a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️for sure. I was left wanting more.

Celia and her friend are invited to the elusive Midnight. Everyone wants to go, but it’s invite only and once you go, you’re not allowed to talk about it. So when Celia is invited and she discovers that SHE is the main “event 🥵” where the 3 brothers all want her. To share her.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been dying to read this since the end of reign of four but never got around to it until now.

I’ve already got claimed by Rage set up ready to go. Although after reading this Ruin is my favourite. Rebel and Rage will need to go some to win me over.

This was a hot little snippet hopefully of what is to come for Celia. With three sexy Russian brothers wishing to claim her.

[Malin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pure fire. What an introduction to the series, I’m hooked to say the least! It started with a bang. Literally!

Rage, Ruin and Rebel all want a piece of Beauty. The 3 of them are the same, but still SO different. Can’t wait to see what they get up to in the next book.

[Vanessa Ouellette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so hot! It's got it all, masked men, why choose, public sex, secret club, stalking... its hot!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutal Beauty
Baranova Bravata prequal
Misti Wilds
Stars:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Time to read: 1 hour
HFN
My review may contain spoilers
Read trigger warnings!!!!!

Tropes/tags:
Mafia
Dark romance
Rh
Brother in harem
Stalker
OTT JP
Masked men

Celia Monrovia
Rage
Rebel
Ruin

Steamy little novella prequel to the Baranova Bravata series. These stalker brothers are hott! Celia definitely has her work cut out for her.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.... OK not happy with such a dramatic ending, I would very much like the next book now please 😂

I'm obsessed. My first mafia, reverse harem book so very excited! Loved this short novella!

[Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Dark, mafia, why choose romance.
Easy & quick read. Done in one session.
Smutty, very interested to see how the series goes

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give Novellas 5 stars as they aren't really long enough to captivate me but boy did this novella hook me in. Celia has an encounter with three masked men which will change the rest of her life. This novella was dark, delicious and spicy and I cannot wait to read the trilogy as they release.

Brutal Beauty is a prequel novella that takes place prior to Celia's full length romance, featured in the Brutal Beauty trilogy starting with book 1, Claimed by Rage which releases this January.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three masked men claim my body. I never meant to give them my soul.

I've created the perfect life. Perfect image. Perfect career. Perfect home. But when a masked man delivers an exclusive invitation to the most sought-after event in the city, I step out of my perfect world and enter theirs.

Rage. Rebel. Ruin. Three brothers who claim my body in front of a room of masked strangers. My perfection cracks in their hands. They want more than the image I've created for myself - they want all of me.

The imperfections. The pain. The sorrow.

What I thought was one night of fun turns out to be a lifetime deal with three dangerous devils. My soul is on offer, and they mean to collect no matter the price.

This is the first book in the “Baranova Bratva Series” and is HOT 🥵 Rage, Rebel and Ruin, the three Russian brothers, have their eyes set on Celia and Celia only. It will have you intrigued from the start - invite to a secret club, muscular and hot masked men, public sex and it goes in …..

A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutal Beauty is a fiery, sultry, and intense prequel that sets the stage for an unforgettable series. I devoured this novella, and it has me hooked on the Brutal Beauty series! The chemistry between the characters is absolutely electric, and the stakes are high from the very first page.

The story is all about perfection, masks, and hidden desires. Celia thinks she has it all together—perfect life, perfect image—but she’s about to enter a world of chaos. Enter Rage, Rebel, and Ruin: three masked men who completely shatter everything Celia thought she knew about herself. What starts as one night of wild, forbidden indulgence turns into something far deeper. These three brothers want far more than her body—they want her soul, and they’re ready to do whatever it takes to claim it.

Trigger Warnings: Dubcon, explicit content, exhibitionism, multiple POVs, and more. (Please check the author’s website for a full content warning.)

If you’re into dark, twisted romance that does not shy away from the heat and the chaos, this one’s for you! I’m officially a fan and ready for book 1, Claimed by Rage.

[book._.lover2210 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, wow—Brutal Beauty was such a wild little ride! This fast-paced prequel novella is dark, dirty, and so addictive. Misti Wilds really doesn’t waste time—she throws you straight into the heat with three masked men (yes, three 😍) who completely wreck the heroine’s carefully curated, picture-perfect life. And honestly? I was here for every second of it.

Rage, Rebel, and Ruin (how good are those names?!) are mysterious, intense, and totally unhinged in the best way. You only get a taste of who they are, but it’s just enough to have you desperate for more. There's also a yummy stalker trope going on—he falls first, he falls hard, and the obsession is chef’s kiss.

This book feels like the perfect spicy teaser—it gives you just enough character insight to get attached while keeping so much shrouded in mystery. It’s down and dirty, a bit twisted, and seriously hot. Like, fan-yourself-and-take-a-break kind of hot.

If you love dark romance, reverse harem, and that feeling of “what did I just get myself into—and where can I get more?” you’re going to love this one. It’s the perfect little appetizer for the series to come. I finished it needing the next book immediately.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dionne Muller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misti Wilds' novella Brutal Beauty is a tantalizing introduction to her Brutal Beauty series that will leave readers craving more.

This steamy prequel lays the groundwork for the main series, introducing the key characters and hinting at the sizzling chemistry and smouldering tension that will ignite between them.

Wilds' evocative prose paints a vivid picture, immersing the reader in the gritty, sensual world she has crafted. The novella masterfully builds anticipation, offering just a taste of the complex relationships, intense emotions, and scorching eroticism yet to come in the full-length novels.

Brutal Beauty is a quick but impactful read that serves its purpose of whetting the reader's appetite for the series perfectly.

While not mandatory to enjoy the main books, this prequel adds compelling depth and context that enriches the overarching story.

Wilds demonstrates her skill at crafting intriguing characters and dramatic, sexy storylines within this brief but potent introduction to her alluring Brutal Beauty series.

[skyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating:
✨✨✨✨/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Review:
I got this free for signing up to Misti’s newsletter and I wasn’t sure if I was gonna like it or not but omg! I Ran so quick to read the next one then realised it’s not out until the end of the month I believe! I haven’t read that many reverse harem/why choose books but damn this one was good! I need it to be way longer, I need more! I’m going to be real I don’t think I can wait for the second book 😂 on a series note I love the guys so much, the mysterious and dangerous characters and then our main girl who’s cute and sweet but fierce with the guys! It’s just such a good mix. I also love the best friend. She was there for like one chapter but she seems like a great character so hopefully we see more of her next book! The plot was pretty good, I really liked the whole mysteries midnight party and I love how it all played out! If you love spice you’re definitely going to like this!

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Beauty Is Such A Tease!

Besties… listen up, because "Brutal Beauty" is the kind of prequel that has me kicking my feet and fanning myself like I did something wrong. This novella is a straight-up tease, an appetizer sampler of sin that introduces Celia and the three delicious, masked brothers: Rage, Rebel, and Ruin. And trust me, their names are earned.

From the moment Celia steps out of her perfect little life and into that exclusive masquerade, it’s all over. The exhibitionism, the insta-lust, the dangerous Bratva energy, the masked mystery? Besties… I was feral. These 3 men don’t just touch her... they peel back every layer she’s been hiding, and it is chef’s kiss filthy in the best way.

This prequel sets the stage for chaos, heat, and a whole lot of claiming. I'm looking forward to devouring Book 1, Claimed by Rage!

My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Amy M · Rating 3 out of 5]

No real plot, just 1 to 2 smutty scenes. I find the premise of this interesting, but there wasn't enough backstory for me to get invested in the characters. I'm sure there is more info in book one since this is a prequel, but I just had lots of questions. What was the point of Lillith being at the event? Why did we need Ruin's inner monologue if he doesn't actually do anything other than take her home and watch her masturbate? Why is it important that they saw her at a wedding a few weeks prior? Why does it matter that she is divorced?

I think I either needed more plot so there is a story, or less plot and more smut so it is more of an erotica piece and I just shut my brain off. It was a weird in between where I felt like there wasn't enough of either.

Thank you BookSirens and Misti Wilds for the free ARC.

[LILIAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prequel to what will surely be a series full of want, need, desires. Brutal Beauty gives you a glimpse into a secret society of debauchery. Following Cecilia (Beauty) and three brothers Rage, Ruin and Rebel. This is a reverse harem that explores a side of Cecilia that she has never explored. She is recently divorced and is basically getting her life back together after that. When she receives the invitation to Midnight an exclusive club while hesitant she has that moment where she says "f" it. What she gets is a night that will be unforgettable and open up a pandoras box with three men she never thought would be part of her life.

"Everything feels different now that I’m in my home. My sanctuary. I’ve invited a devil inside."

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel I have read by Misti Wilds and as I type this review, I am heading to the ER to have my heart rate monitored and the burns on my fingers tended to from turning the pages! OMG this is one humdinger of a novel and epitomizes ten-star sizzle beyond anything I have ever read to date, and that is saying something because I thought I had read them all! It is also a story that is told from the point of view of four people which turned out to be quite enhancing as well as entertaining. All I am going to say about the plot is that it starts off with an intriguing and very enigmatic invitation that mysteriously makes its way into Celia Monrovia’s apartment… I’m certain I have your attention now, so RUN to the store and grab this novel before it is SOLD OUT!

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I can’t get enough of this book! This book is the prequel for the Brutal Beauty trilogy, and it was the perfect introduction to the trilogy. Celia Monrovia has always been a good mafia daughter and did what she was supposed to do. She has been unlucky in love and is now a divorced woman. However, she has been a success in her career. Celia is a fashion designer and has her own boutique. Celia’s life is forever changed when three men become interested in her. Rage, Rebel and Ruin are Russian brothers, and they invite her to their club – Midnight – for a night of hedonism. This book was exceptional. The mystery of the men, the intrigue of the club, and the off the charts chemistry and sex make this a page-turner that you cannot put down. I can’t wait to read the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misti Wilds is quickly becoming one of my favorite RH authors!! Celia and her masked men go from zero to blazing hot in a matter of seconds: so much heat packed into a novella deserves a standing O. I love the interactions between all of them: banter, sass, growly obsession, and intense energy from beginning to end. Celia’s past seems underwhelming, but her future with Rage, Rebel, and Ruin is starting off with exquisitely detailed scenes and a powerful promise of possession and satisfaction!! I’m so glad the next book is on my ARC list!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC! I need to read the next book like now.

This book was so fun and sexy and intriguing.

I can't wait to continue on with the first book in the series. The book I'm most excited for though, is the book for Ruin.

He is my favourite character and his story is the one I'm most excited to hear. I'm also the most excited to see more of him in the coming books.

He's dark and dangerous more than the other two and something about him feels dark, like there's no coming back from him.

It's exciting and has me hooked.

I'm also a sucker for poly relationships or with multiple partners and group scenes. So I was sold on this one.

[Theta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is mainly centred around Celia who, outwardly, is very put together, and her acceptance of a mysterious invitation to Midnight. She meets three men there and things go wild from that point on. The first half of the book was slower paced and building up to Midnight, but when they arrive at Midnight, so much happens in such a short space of time, and I loved it! I love the three men already, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series!
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a complimentary copy. I was under no obligation to leave a review, I am doing so out of choice to support the author.

[alvareadss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ATE up this book!

The spice🤭, the angst🤭, the obsession🤭, everything🤭

I had no thoughts going into this novella, I just read it for fun and it really made me want to read the rest of the series. I love Rebel and Rage, but Ruin, I need to know more about him!!!
This novella had sooo much to come with and everything was so well written. I couldn’t stop reading once I started. It didn’t have a cliffhanger which I expected since it’s leading up to a series, but the ending still wants me to read the rest of the series asap!!!

If you are looking for a short, spicy, dark romance novella; read this one🤭

[Emma Birkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was saucy, absolutely deliciously spicy. Something about public sex just gets my engine revved.
There were a few spots with a misspellings and missing words that kind of took me out of it but those are tiny editing things in the grand scheme of things. Overall the book is so much beyond those tiny things.
It’s hot, it’s spicy, it’s intriguing. It gives just enough to pull you in without giving everything up for the series. It’s the kind of book that got me into reverse harem and mafia books.
I can’t wait to read the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.